Flocking to support the spotted shag

This year we’re throwing support behind the kōau/parekareka spotted shag for Bird of the Year 2025.

Voting for Bird of the Year is open now until 28 September with the focus this year to shine light on the “underbirds” - and Ecologist Andrew Crossland says that’s exactly why the Christchurch City Council is backing the spotted shag.

Known in Canterbury as the kōau or parekareka and elsewhere as kawau tikitiki, the seabirds are identifiable by their long, slender neck, pale bills, yellow feet and greenish facial skin. They weigh 700 – 1200g and measure 64 – 74cm in length.

“The spotted shag is endemic to New Zealand and found along most coastlines in the South Island and Stewart Island with a patchy distribution around parts of the North Island,” Mr Crossland says.

The national stronghold of the species is in the Christchurch region where it is one of the most abundant seabirds along the coastline from south of Timaru to north of Kaikoura.

“Banks Peninsula reigns as the seabird’s favourite spot, supporting more than half of the total world’s population,” Mr Crossland says.

The birds breed in colonies on our cliffs and shoreline slopes, usually between September and November.

“When not breeding they roost communally around coastlines and feed at sea in flocks, sometimes numbering thousands of birds,” Mr Crossland says.

With torpedo-shaped bodies and large-webbed feet, the shags are adept at diving and catching fish, squid and invertebrates underwater.

“Although the spotted shag is locally abundant within the Christchurch district, it has undergone a sharp population decline since the Canterbury earthquakes,” Mr Crossland says.

Before the quakes, there were 22,500 breeding pairs living around Banks Peninsula – but the most recent census found just 6381 pairs.

The birds are now classified as a threatened nationally vulnerable species, meaning they’re in serious trouble.

“We’re keen to give these special birds the recognition they deserve, and encourage others to vote spotted shag for Bird of the Year,” Mr Crossland says.

Voting for Bird of the Year 2025 is open until 5pm Sunday 28 September.

Cast your vote for spotted shag via the Bird of the Year website.